Arslan Accuses Suleiman, Miqati of Halting Cabinet’s Work

Lebanese Democratic Party leader Talal Arslan accused President Michel Suleiman and Prime Minister Najib Miqati on Tuesday of obstructing the work of the cabinet by keeping sessions suspended.

“Under no circumstances is it acceptable to suspend cabinet sessions, particularly at this critical stage in the region,” Arslan, who is allied with Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun, said in a statement.

He called for “active and continuous governmental work,” saying the security situation, the people’s needs and the social and economic problems compel officials to overcome their “narrow differences.”

Both Suleiman and Miqati should look at the public interest and call for regular cabinet sessions as soon as possible, Arslan said.

Minister Marwan Khaireddine represents Arslan in the cabinet.

The president suspended a cabinet session on Feb. 1 upon the request of the PM after Miqati bickered with ministers loyal to Aoun accusing them of obstructing the work of the cabinet.

Miqati is holding onto his stance not to call for government sessions unless the ministers confirm to him that they would be “productive.”